At the World Travel Market in London on November 6th, 2012 Alain St Ange (Minister of Tourism, Seychelles), Thomas Steinmetz (Chairman ICTP), Professor Geoffrey Lipman (President of ICTP) held a town hall session with members at WTM today.

They reported on

The rapid growth in membership over the past year from destinations and their stakeholders – with more than 500 communities and companies

The improvement of services to help members strengthen their own commitment to Green Growth and Quality

Rebranding the organisation as a “Coalition” supporting grassroots engagement in the sector’s contribution to a low carbon, inclusive and environmentally responsible world with a proactive Leadership Council.

They also announced a strengthening of advocacy program through collaboration with industry organisations and business partners, in co-sponsored events to promote

Sustainable aviation growth

Streamlined travel

Fair coherent taxation

Investments for jobs

They reiterated their commitment to work with international Travel and Tourism organisations in their efforts to advance these strategies.

President Geoffrey Lipman said “we firmly expect that in 2013, which is going to be a very difficult year, our coalition will be a new force to help destinations and their stakeholders to focus on Green Growth and Quality in a creative way that enhances their competitiveness, attracts new investments, creates jobs and helps build happier communities.”

At the close of the session, ICTP announced that the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, represented by the Director General, H.E. Mr Otumba Olusegun Runsewe, had joined the coalition as a council member and thanked them. Mr Otumba Olusegun Runsewe was personally present at the meeting when the announcement was made.

Both Minister Alain St.Ange of the Seychelles and Mr Thomas Steinmetz the Chairman of the ICTP also addressed the gathered members on the Seychelles Stand at WTM 2012 in the presence of Mr David Aherne of the EURO Congress, the European Convention Bureau.